Deputies Find Man Beating One of Two Kidnap Victims

Orange County sheriff’s deputies arrested a 25-year-old man in San Juan Capistrano early Friday after he began beating a woman he had kidnapped in Whittier, authorities said.

Richard Renier of Whittier abducted two women after they agreed to give him a ride, police said. The woman who was forced to drive the car escaped by slamming on the brakes as the car approached the Junipero Serra Road exit on Interstate 5, leaving the car and calling authorities.

Deputies who responded to the scene shortly after 1 a.m. found Renier still in the car with the other hostage, sheriff’s Sgt. Bob Wren said.

Deputies ordered Renier out of the car, but he refused. After about 15 minutes, he began beating the woman. Deputies then broke the rear window of the car and arrested Renier, Wren said. The incident was videotaped by a sheriff’s car camera.

Renier was being held Friday on suspicion of kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon, Wren said.